San Francisco Must-See Attractions and Food for Newbies and Return Visitors

When someone asks me what they should see when they visit San Francisco, it's like asking the question "What movie should I watch tonight?" I certainly have a lot of opinions about what I would watch, but what are you in the mood for? What genres do you like? Are you looking for something new or something classic? Are you inclined to trust a complete stranger's opinion?

As such I've tried to divide my San Francisco recommendations into tiers of things to do: from touristy (but fun) things to check out to lesser-known, locals-approved type activities. Let's get into it!

Touristy things (Tier 1)

Best for: Someone who has never been to San Francisco

• Fisherman's Wharf and Pier 39 - Ok, starting off a little obvious. Fisherman's Wharf is probably the most touristy place in SF, but honestly, it's still pretty cool and worth checking out if you're new to the city. The sea lions on Pier 39 are worth checking out. SF is known for its sourdough so if you're hungry I would try a chowder bread bowl at Boudin at the wharf. That said, I wouldn't recommend the food in this area. Also, while you're here, definitely check out the next item on the list...

• Alcatraz - A must-see in SF in my opinion. The ferry ride alone offers great views of the city and the bay. Alcatraz, often referred to as "The Rock," is not only unique in its location but also rich in history. Originally established as a military fortification in the mid-19th century, it later became infamous as a federal prison that housed some of the most notorious criminals in American history, including Al Capone and Robert Stroud, also known as the "Birdman of Alcatraz." There's also night sessions, which really add to the spookiness!

• Golden Gate Bridge - Also a must-see. Bike rides are a popular way to see it—you can easily rent one near the bridge, or simply Google "bike rentals." You can also walk the bridge if you prefer to see it that way. The benefit of a car is that you can drive over it easily and also drive up to Hawk Hill on the other side of the bridge for a spectacular view. Keep driving on that road and you'll get some spectacular coastal views. Check out the Point Bonita Lighthouse while you're over there as well. They also have the Red and White Fleet boat rides which take you under the bridge which is cooler in my humble opinion.

• Twin Peaks - Hopefully you're not sick of beautiful views at this point! Twin Peaks provides another great view of the city (assuming it's not cloudy). This would require a car.

• The Painted Ladies at Alamo Square - Marvel at the stunning “Painted Ladies,” which are a row of colorful Victorian houses. What makes them so special is that behind the row of houses is the SF skyline, which provides an iconic view! Alamo Square Park is also a lovely park.

• Ride a Cable Car - You can't say you've been to SF unless you've ridden on a cable car! The only moving national monument, this unique attraction provides visitors with an exceptional opportunity to explore the city in a way that few other experiences can offer. Also be sure to visit the Cable Car Museum, which offers a treasure trove of history that delves into the fascinating origins and evolution of the cable car system.

• Chinatown - SF's Chinatown is the oldest in North America and the largest outside of Asia, covering approximately 24 square blocks and serving as a vibrant hub of Chinese culture and heritage. The streets are lined with colorful storefronts, traditional herbal shops, and bustling markets, where one can find an array of goods ranging from authentic Chinese cuisine to intricate handicrafts.

• Lombard Street - The "crookedest street in the world" (although I think that's not actually true) is worth a visit. Whether you are driving down its winding path or strolling along its flower-lined sidewalks, Lombard Street is a uniquely SF thing to do.

• Lands End Trail - Probably the best in-city hike I've ever experienced. Although it's technically in SF, you'll feel like you're lost in the woods. If you have time for a 1-2 mile trail then this is my favorite in the city. Doesn't take very long and you get some pretty stellar views of the Golden Gate Bridge.

• Presidio Tunnel Tops - A new park in the city that has spectacular views of the Golden Gate Bridge, The Palace of Fine Arts, Alcatraz, and downtown! It has quickly become one of my favorite parks in the city.

• Ferry Building - This beautiful building has lots of great food that is representative of SF. The farmer's market on the weekend is also fun to visit.

• Union Square - SF's version of Times Square, but obviously a lot smaller and not as flashy. Good shopping and so decent food nearby.

• Haight/Ashbury - The iconic "hippie" area of town, renowned for its vibrant and eclectic atmosphere that captures the essence of the counterculture movement of the 1960s. Check out the funky thrift shops and other weird and wonderful shops. From psychedelic art galleries to head shops, it's a real step into the past. Don't forget to visit the historic landmarks, such as the former home of the Grateful Dead or the famous intersection of Haight and Ashbury, where the movement truly took root.

• Billionaire's Row - Walk down this street full of lavish mansions starting at Lyon and Broadway.

Touristy Things (Tier 2)

Best for: Someone who visited SF once or twice before

While Tier 1 is more about visiting famous must-see attractions, Tier 2 is more about exploring and gettting to know the city. That's why I like to start this off with a simple list of cool neighborhoods to check out. These are a little less touristy and more neighborhoods that locals hang out in (myself included)

• Walk around these neighborhoods (I suggest searching these neighborhoods on Google Maps and then navigating to the "beige" area).

  • North Beach - Perhaps on the cusp of touristy and local-frequented, this Italian neighborhood is one of the most charming in the city. Great pizza and pasta here (obviously) and lots of great high-end and dive bars.

  • Hayes Valley - Good clothes shopping here! Great restaurants and an outdoor beer garden. Tons of wine bars too.

  • The Mission (Valencia St) - Trendy and some of the best food in the city (Mexican and otherwise)

  • The Mission (24th St) -

  • Lower Haight - Toronado and Noc Noc are two must-see bars for beer. 

  • Cow Hollow (Union St and Chestnut St) - maybe you're wondering why I grouped these two streets in Cow Hollow and for the Mission I broke them out. Well, that's because the two streets in the Mission are much different and worth covering separately. Union St and Chestnut St, however, are very similar. In either case, these are some of the most beautiful streets in the city and has great shopping, food, and views. It's a little ritzy, so just be ready for that.

  • Fillmore -

  • Nopa (Divisadero St) -

  • The Richmond (Clement St) -

  • The Sunset (Irving St) - sdf

• SFMOMA - Excellent museum for modern art. The building itself is worth a visit

• Nightlife at Cal Academy (Thurs nights only)

• Angel Island Tiburon sunset cruise - bring your own wine, cheese and snacks!

• Cross the GG and go to Murray Circle for brunch (sit on the front porch)

• Alamo Square Park and then walk Divisadero

• Giants game (if it's during the baseball season)

• Treasure Island - wine and bocce ball

• Go to the Farmer's Market at Fort Mason and then Radhaus afterward

• Alamo Drafthouse (if you’re a movie fan)

Hike down to Mile Rock Beach

Everything else (Tier 3)

Best for: Someone who has been to SF many times and is looking for something new

Now that you know your way around the city, let's cut to the chase. Here are the places you're going to want to hit up pronto:

Best Cocktail Bars

• PCH

• Trick Dog

• True Laurel

• Last Rites

• The Interval

• Bourbon and Branch

• Buddy

• Local Edition

Best Beer Bars

• Toronado

• Holy Water

• Crafty Fox

• Liquid Gold

• The Beer Hall

• Radhaus

Best Wine Bars

• Arcana

• 20 Spot

• Bar Part Time

• Key Klub

• Arbor/Arlequin Wine Merchant - Sit on the back patio!

• Big Finish Wine Tavern

Bakeries

• Tartine Manufactory

• Arsicault Bakery

• LOQUAT - excellent babkas

• B. Patisserie

• Arizmendi Bakery

• Schlok’s or Boichik for bagels

Jazz Clubs

• Mr. Tipple's Jazz Club

• Black Cat

• Dawn Club

Parks (Now that you can chill there instead of walking through)

• Dolores Park - this is where everyone hangs out on the weekend. If you're in the mood for ice cream you should absolutely try Bi-Rite Ice Cream!!

• Presidio Tunnel Tops

• Sunset Dunes (NEW) - stroll on what once was a highway and is now a pedestrian walk-way with cool little murals and outdoor structures

• Golden Gate Park - Academy of Sciences, deYoung Museum, Japenese Tea Garden or just walk around and explore!

• Alamo Square Park - chill out with wine and stare at the city before you!

• Crissy Field

• Deboce Park

  
  

Hodge-podge of other fun stuff

• Salt & Straw - Portland-based brand. Life-changing ice cream

• Tiburon boat picnic cruise

• Bonfire on Mile Rock Beach or Ocean Beach

• Giants game (if in baseball season)

• Treasure Island Wine and Bocce

• Picnic in Dolores Park

• Angel Island wineries and breweries

• Emporium Arcade Bar

Just Outside San Francisco

• Visit Berkeley or Oakland

• Go wine tasting in Napa and Sonoma

• Muir Woods hike

• Cruise the coast

• Santa Cruz/Capitola

That's my list of San Francisco must-see attractions and food for newbies and return visitors! Hope you've enjoyed reading and, more importantly, have a great time in San Francisco!